Heavy Battles Ongoing in Northern Direction Today, Says Artsrun Hovhannisyan

Today, intense battles have been ongoing in the northern direction, perhaps one of the heaviest of this war, during which the Armenian army has proven that it does not falter. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, on his Facebook page.

“Today, the Armenian soldier, reserve forces, and volunteers have demonstrated miracles,” he wrote.

It should be recalled that on September 27, Azerbaijani armed forces launched a large-scale attack in Artsakh, targeting even peaceful civilians. As of October 13, the military forces of Artsakh have shot down 16 helicopters, 18 planes, 173 drones, and destroyed 521 units of armored vehicles, primarily tanks, as well as 86 vehicles, 10 armored personnel carriers, 4 TOS-1A heavy flamethrower systems, 4 Smerch rocket systems, and 1 Uragan multiple launch rocket system.

The enemy has suffered over 5,139 casualties. On the Armenian side, preliminary data indicates there are 532 fatalities. The Azerbaijani armed forces have also targeted military and civilian infrastructure in both Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, resulting in the deaths of 2 civilians in Gegharkunik, 25 civilians in Artsakh, 102 civilians injured, and damage to approximately 5,800 properties and infrastructures.

Journalists from both foreign and local media have been injured due to the artillery shelling by the Azerbaijani armed forces.

A state of war was declared in Armenia and Artsakh on September 27. A ceasefire came into effect at 12:00 on October 10; however, the Azerbaijani armed forces carried out diversionary operations and shelled peaceful settlements in Artsakh after the ceasefire.